The world's first 5MW Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyser system was delivered to the Rockcheck Steel industrial park in Tianjin, China, by Horizon Fuel Cell subsidiary HET Hydrogen.
In late 2024, the 5MW AEM electrolyser system (HET-A1000) was unveiled by Horizon. The goal was to set a new benchmark in green hydrogen, delivering low power consumption, wide operating range, rapid dynamic response, and use of low-cost materials.
In early 2025, the first deployment was secured with Tianjin Zhonghe Energy Management Co., Ltd (a subsidiary of Rockcheck Steel Group Co., Ltd.), officially launching the group’s "Low-Carbon Smelting Project Using Green Hydrogen."
The HET-A1000 equipment delivered to Rockcheck establishes the world's first integrated system combining photovoltaics (PV), AEM hydrogen production and hydrogen-enriched blast furnace smelting. The industrial park is constructing a new 17MW building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system, supported by two 5MW AEM electrolyser systems (each producing 1,000Nm³/h (normal cubic metre per hour).
The green hydrogen produced will be used for hydrogen enrichment in Rockcheck Steel Group's blast furnaces, reducing coal consumption and carbon emissions, transforming the steel plant from a major carbon emitter into a decarbonisation showcase.
Horizon is working with the client to finalise commissioning of the systems that will deliver high efficiency, flexibility and economic operations. The innovative modular systems provide a scalable pathway for hydrogen metallurgy and offer a compelling solution for deep decarbonisation in heavy industry, chemicals and transportation worldwide, with greater self-reliance protecting against supply chain disruptions.
The hydrogen industry has long faced the challenge of validating attractive technology without a clear path to reach economies of scale. By deploying the large-scale 5MW AEM system as a “first of a kind”, Horizon has created a powerful proving ground for this cutting-edge technology, and the result will be greater viability for green hydrogen projects.
Horizon Fuel Cell delivers world’s first 5MW AEM electrolyser system
